What Is Sleep Apnea and How Is It Treated?
Sleep is one of the most important elements of overall health, yet millions of people unknowingly struggle with conditions that disrupt their nightly rest. One of the most common—and most underdiagnosed—is sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. These interruptions prevent the body from entering deep, restorative stages of sleep and, over time, can contribute to serious health issues if left untreated.
At Encinitas Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Cathy Santone and Dr. Megan Dietz are dedicated to helping patients recognize the signs of sleep apnea. They provide thorough evaluations and offer effective, comfortable treatments designed to restore healthy breathing patterns, improve sleep quality, and protect long-term well-being.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when breathing pauses or becomes shallow during sleep. In severe cases, these episodes may occur dozens of times per hour. Each time breathing stops, the brain briefly wakes the body to restart airflow. Because these arousals are so brief, most patients do not remember them—but the cumulative effect can leave a person feeling exhausted despite spending a full eight hours in bed.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea may include:
- Loud or chronic snoring
- Waking up short of breath, choking, or gasping
- Daytime fatigue or excessive sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Restless or interrupted sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
Types of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea generally occurs in two main forms:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, OSA happens when soft tissues in the throat collapse and block airflow.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Less common, CSA results when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the breathing muscles.
Additionally, some individuals may experience a combination of both OSA and CSA.
Who Is Most at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Anyone can develop sleep apnea, but certain factors can increase the likelihood. These include:
- Being male or over the age of 40
- Smoking, alcohol use, or sedative medications
- Excess body weight or a family history of sleep apnea
- High blood pressure, heart disease, or neuromuscular conditions
Children may also develop sleep apnea, most often due to enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or jaw development issues. Pediatric sleep apnea can affect concentration, energy, and behavior, and is sometimes mistaken for ADHD. Because of these risks, proper evaluation is critical at any age.
Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
The dangers of sleep apnea can extend far beyond fatigue. When left untreated, sleep apnea can:
- Increase blood pressure and risk of heart disease
- Raise the likelihood of stroke or heart attack
- Contribute to depression, mood swings, or memory loss
- Reduce concentration and performance at work or school
- Cause sexual dysfunction
- Heighten risks associated with anesthesia or surgery
Since sleep apnea prevents oxygen from circulating normally, it can place a significant strain on the entire body, making early detection and treatment vital.
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
A formal diagnosis usually requires a sleep study, either performed in a medical facility or at home with specialized equipment. At Encinitas Cosmetic Dentistry, our San Diego dentists take an active role in identifying potential signs of sleep apnea during routine exams.
To streamline the diagnostic process, the practice uses the WatchPAT® ONE device, a disposable, home-based sleep testing system. Patients wear the device overnight in their own bed, and the data can be reviewed by a board-certified sleep physician. If sleep apnea is confirmed, treatment options can be prescribed quickly and conveniently.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
The best treatment for sleep apnea depends on its severity, as well as the patient’s individual health needs. Common treatment strategies include:
- Lifestyle changes: Weight management, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, and adjusting sleep positions may improve symptoms in mild cases.
- CPAP therapy: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are the traditional gold standard but are often difficult for patients to tolerate long-term due to discomfort, noise, or travel challenges.
- Custom oral appliances: These comfortable, dentist-designed devices aim to gently reposition the jaw and keep the airway open throughout the night.
At Encinitas Cosmetic Dentistry, the team frequently provides Elastic Mandibular Advancement (EMA) appliances for patients with mild to moderate apnea. These small, discreet devices are easy to wear, portable, and highly effective in most cases. For patients already accustomed to a specific type of oral device, Drs. Santone and Dietz can often recreate or adapt that design for a seamless transition.
Recognizing Sleep Apnea in Loved Ones
Because many patients are unaware of their symptoms, it is often a partner or family member who first notices sleep apnea. Warning signs such as loud snoring, gasping, or restless movements during the night should not be ignored. Encouraging loved ones to seek evaluation can prevent serious health complications and dramatically improve overall wellness.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
If you suspect you or a loved one may be living with sleep apnea, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Encinitas Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule a consultation. A simple evaluation could be the key to restoring your energy, protecting your health, and enjoying the benefits of truly restful sleep.